The Dead Sea, the lowest spot on earth at 410 meters below sea level, is located on the eastern coast of Jordan. It is thought to be the site of five biblical cities: Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Zoar; however, today, the Dead Sea is known for its calm tranquil shores, sunshine and healing waters.

This was my second visit to the Dead Sea and I stayed at the beautiful Swiss-owned Mövenpick Resort and Spa in Jordan. Even though one might be a little hesitant about visiting the Middle East, Jordan has beefed up security at all hotels, and I wasn’t surprised to learn that the country hasn’t suffered a decline in tourism. As a matter of fact, hotel bookings are at an all time high.

The Mövenpick has a great view of the water as well as distant views of the mountains of Israel and the city of Jericho. At night, Jerusalem’s lights slowly come to life and glisten, truly a spectacular sight to behold.

The air around the area is said to carry five percent more oxygen and the filtered rays of the sun prevent easy burning. Nine times saltier than the Mediterranean, the composition of the Dead Sea includes chloride, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and bromine. These minerals make it next to impossible to sink and you can float while you read a book or just relax. Many, who have experienced a respite from various health concerns after bathing in the Dead Sea, have claimed that the waters as well as the mud from the murky bottom have healing properties.

This mud along with the salts can be purchased at the hotel gift shop or in any number of retail locations around the country. The mud is applied as a facial or body mask, left to dry and then washed off in the sea. The results are softer, glowing skin.

During my stay, I saw many people with skin problems, most notably psoriasis. I was told that guests come here from all over the world and stay from a week to several months with many saying that their conditions greatly improved or were put into remission from the unique high mineral content of the sea.

It is said that Cleopatra recognized the unique properties of the Dead Sea and that she commissioned factories along its shores to produce cosmetic products. Today, there are about 50 companies making Dead Sea products ranging from medicinal bath salts to the actual mud sold in foil-sealed pouches. I crammed my suitcase with so many products that I almost didn’t have room for my clothing.

The ZARA Spa at the Mövenpick is one of the largest in the entire region and also one of the most modern. Over 6000 square meters with hot and cold hydro pools and a variety of therapies will soothe away your every care. One of these pools overlooks the Dead Sea and I spent an entire afternoon relaxing, taking in the smell of the oxygenated air and soaking up the sunshine. Again, the ultraviolet rays of the sunshine are well filtered here and I found that, not surprisingly, I didn’t burn even with many hours of exposure.

Many Europeans consider Jordan to be one of the best places to experience history, culture and, of course, the Dead Sea. Americans are now discovering Jordan with many returning every year for the friendliness of its people and the warm, healing waters of the Dead Sea.